ALL federal election candidates will be under pressure to agree to work towards adopting policies to tackle climate change, including opposing heavy industry around Western Port.
Community groups, businesses and other organisations throughout Victoria are being asked by Environment Victoria to sign an open letter calling for action on climate change.
The Western Port Climate Alliance (WPCA) is one of five groups in the state seeking signatures on letters worded specifically for their region.
Carmen Bush, spokesperson for the WPCA, said the signed letters would be delivered to all federal candidates, including current MPs.
The open letter calls for “faster and fairer Australian climate action”.
As well as seeking a “legislated plan” to reduce Australia’s 2030 emissions to below 2005 levels, each of the letters want reductions in the burning of coal, oil and gas (“the biggest single cause of earth’s current climate crisis”); help. For households to switch to efficient electrical appliances; and the removal of “barriers to community renewable energy projects”.
But, in concentrating on Western Port, as well as urging the rejection of “heavy industry development”, the WPCA’s letter wants action to. Ensure “Western Port continues as a viable place of recreation, agriculture and ecotourism by enhancing local environmental services”.
“Every Victorian community has a stake in moving our state and nation in a just manner beyond polluting fuels, to protect our natural world,” Ms Bush said.
“We call on our federal political representatives and candidates to back our vision on behalf of the people around Western Port, by committing to an effective plan to reduce and end our reliance on polluting energy sources.”
Ms Bush said alliance members would invite community groups, businesses and other organisations to sign the letter.
Details: ccbush@bigpond.net.au
First published in the Western Port News – 19 January 2022
